Isaac R. Thorne is a nice man who has, over the course of his life, developed a modest ability to spin a good yarn. Really. He promises. He considers himself a lover of books, music, movies, and other forms of pop culture phenomenon. His philosophy on his life is that it’s all one giant experiment. He is the author of short tales of dark comic horror, two audio plays, and one award-winning screenplay.
Isaac grew up in rural Tennessee, where he attended high school and some college. From an early age, he became fascinated by scary folklore, such as the types of tales that are often told around campfires. He also developed a love of scary audio or radio stories, which he borrowed on vinyl from the local library.
Although he has been writing since he could form letters with crayons, Isaac has always considered himself a private man, publishing none of his horror work until January 2013, when he released the digital short story “Nobody Was Here”.
Isaac’s Books
You can find Isaac’s books on Amazon.com, as well as most other e-book retail outlets. He likes to write shorter works–stuff you can read in one sitting. As of 2019, he’s become more novel focused, although more short tales are always in the works.
Some Q & A
with Isaac
“Funny horrific ideas occur to me on a regular basis. Writing them down seemed like a simple way to prevent them from eating me inside out.”
Many of the questions and answers below are from Isaac’s Smashwords interview. The interview in its entirety can be found at smashwords.com.
If you’re so nice, why write this kind of stuff?
Because the stories are funny, gross, and horrific, all of which appeals to my–shall we say–underdeveloped maturity. Rest assured that even though my work might not fit the sensibilities of some readers, I truly mean no harm nor offense. Frankly, if you don’t want to be horrified you should not be downloading horror stories. Perhaps you would be happier with another genre.
When did you first start writing?
First Grade. My first story was about overalls and why everyone should wear them.
What motivated you?
Funny horrific ideas occur to me on a regular basis. Writing them down seemed like a simple way to prevent them from eating me inside out. Putting them out there for other people to read seemed like a simple way to keep the neighborhood kids off my lawn.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in the rural American South. It might occasionally influence my colloquial word choices. Other than that, I don’t really think it does influence my writing. I write short tales of dark comic horror. Is there any place in this world that it doesn’t exist? Aren’t we all just residents of Planet Internet now anyway?
What is your writing process?
I’m more of a seat-of-the-pants type of writer. You might find a few paragraphs of idea lying around, but you’ll rarely find me with a completely functional outline for a piece. I form an ultimate critical scene in my head, then I write narrative to explain how everything culminated in that scene. After a first draft of that process, I go back and rewrite and fill in the gaps, add some logic and realism, and generally polish things.
“I’m…a seat-of-the-pants type of writer. I form an ultimate critical scene in my head, then I write narrative to explain how everything culminated in that scene.”
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
The need to urinate. Well, that and the fact that I need to earn a living.
Who are your favorite authors?
I expect that very few authors in my genre could answer this question without citing Stephen King. I will admit that the work of his early career was most influential on me. That said, I also like Joe Hill (Stephen King’s son), Thomas Harris, Anne Rice, J.K. Rowling, and many, many, many more you’ve probably never heard of.
Contacting Isaac
You can always try to contact Isaac by using the form on the Contact page. Here are a few other methods of contacting Isaac if you just don’t feel like clicking that Contact page link:
If that doesn’t work, feel free to try the social media links at the top of just about every page on this site. Isaac is most active on Twitter.
Book Isaac On Your Podcast
Isaac’s Awards
Hell Spring
On May 15, 2023, Isaac Thorne’s horror novel Hell Spring was recognized as a Finalist in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards Horror category. Hell Spring is the second Lost Hollow novel by Isaac. More information about the awards and Hell Spring is available on this site’s News page.
In addition to the Next Generation Indie Book Awards, Hell Spring made the long list of candidates for the 2022 Chanticleer International Book Awards (CIBAs) in the Paranormal category. Although Hell Spring did not move forward to the short list in the CIBAs, Isaac says he feels honored that the novel was considered.
The Gordon Place
On June 12, 2020, the audiobook edition of The Gordon Place won the Independent Audiobook Award (IAA) in the Horror category. The Gordon Place was pitted against four audiobooks by established narrators in the genre, any of whom could have been a natural selection for the award.
Diggum
In 2016, Isaac adapted “Diggum”, one of his short stories, to screenplay format. That screenplay has won awards from all of the following:
- WINNER: Best Violence, 2017 Chemical Film Festival
- WINNER: Best Short Script, 2017 Shiver International Film Festival
In addition, the screenplay has been recognized by all of the following:
- FINALIST: 2017 13Horror.com Film & Screenplay Festival
- FINALIST: 2017 iHorror Awards Short Screenplay Competition
- FINALIST: 2017 Crimson Screen Horror Film fest, Best Un-produced Short Screenplay
- FINALIST: 2017 New York City Horror Film Festival, Best Un-produced Short Screenplay
- FINALIST: 2017 Horror in the Hills, Best Short Screenplay
- FINALIST: 2017 Fear Awards
- FINALIST: 2018 Indie Horror Film Festival
Isaac In
Other Media
Other media have featured Isaac Thorne as a guest, as a contributor, or a shout-out. On this page, you’ll find links to some of that work and those folks. Isaac highly recommends visiting these sites even if you’re not interested in his own contributions. They are works of art, horror and otherwise.
Isaac himself is available for podcast, radio, web, or print interviews. Simply reach out to him by using the form on the Contact page, or through Twitter.
Alan Welker’s The 13th Story Podcast
- The 13th Story Podcast on the web.
- Alan Welker on the web.
- Alan Welker on Twitter.
- Alan’s interview with Isaac.
Bad Movie Night/The Creepshow Hour Podcast
- Bad Movie Night on the web.
- Isaac’s Bad Movie Night appearance to discuss Creepshow.
- Isaac’s second Bad Movie Night appearance to wrap up The Creepshow Hour.
- Isaac’s Bad Movie Night appearance to discuss Creepshow S3E5.
- Isaac’s Bad Movie Night appearance on The Creepshow Hour S3 wrap-up.
- Bad Movie Night on Twitter.
- Bad Movie Night on YouTube.
Beyond The Void Horror Podcast
- Beyond The Void on the web.
- Isaac’s appearance on Beyond The Void.
- Beyond The Void on Twitter.
- Beyond The Void on Facebook.
Bleeding Critic
- Bleeding Critic’s website.
- Isaac’s Horror Memory.
- Isaac’s Horror Therapy.
- Isaac’s second Horror Therapy.
Blood on the Rocks
- Blood on the Rocks on the web.
- Blood on the Rocks on Twitter.
- Isaac’s appearance on Blood on the Rocks
Bob’s Mess Podcast
- Bob on Twitter.
- Bob on Instagram.
- Bob’s interview with Isaac on Anchor.fm.
Carmen Theater Group and Liane Moonraven
- Carmen Theater’s site.
- Carmen Theater’s Spreaker.
- Carmen Theater’s YouTube.
- Carmen Theater’s production of Isaac’s BECAUSE REASONS.
- Carmen Theater’s production of Isaac’s DIGGUM.
- Carmen Theater’s production of THE BURBS, S5E5, where Isaac appears as Frank Stevens.
- Carmen Theater’s production of THE BURBS, S5E6, where Isaac appears as Frank Stevens.
- Moonraven Films official site.
The CoGPod
- THE COGPOD on the web.
- THE CODPOD’s review of Isaac’s DIGGUM.
The Constant Reader Podcast
- The Constant Reader Podcast on Anchor.fm.
- The Constant Reader Podcast on Instagram.
- The Constant Reader Podcast’s interview with Isaac.
Crashpalace Productions
- THE LAST KNOCK podcast’s Billy Crash.
- THE LAST KNOCK podcast’s Jonny Numb.
- Billy Crash’s interview with Isaac on THE LAST KNOCK.
- Isaac’s George Romero Memorial on Crashpalaceproductions.com.
The Dead Walk
- The Dead Walk on the web.
- The Dead Walk on Twitter.
- Isaac’s reviews on The Dead Walk.
Dear Final Girl
- Dear Final Girl on Twitter.
- Dear Final Girl’s Origin Stories Episode 1, featuring Isaac.
Don’t Go Down That Road
- DGDTR Podcast on the web.
- DGDTR Podcast on Twitter.
- DGDTR Podcast’s Bargain Bin of Sin 2, with Isaac as a guest.
Douglas Geller’s The Dreamer
- The Dreamer on the web.
- The Dreamer on Twitter.
- The Dreamer’s blog entry for Isaac.
Just James Horror Reviews Podcast
- Just James Horror Reviews Podcast on Instagram.
- Just James Horror Reviews on Apple Podcasts.
- Just James Horror Reviews episode reviewing Hell Spring.
The Fear Merchant
- The Fear Merchant on Twitter.
- The Fear Merchant’s THE BAZAAR podcast on iTunes.
- The Fear Merchant’s THE BAZAAR podcast on PodBean.
- The Fear Merchant’s THE BAZAAR interview with Isaac.
Haunted MTL
- Haunted MTL on the web.
- Haunted MTL on Twitter.
- Isaac’s story “Dead Rights” on Haunted MTL.
- Wade’s interview with Isaac on Haunted MTL.
Horror Addicts
- Horror Addicts on the web.
- Horror Addicts’s interview with Isaac.
Immunity Zero
- Immunity Zero’s Read With Immunity Channel on YouTube.
- Immunity Zero’s The Natures of Men and Monsters Part 1 in Which Isaac Plays Jersey the Werewolf.
IndieReader
- IndieReader on the web.
- IndieReader’s IR Approved interview with Isaac about Hell Spring.
Kendall Reviews
- Kendall Reviews on the web.
- Kendall Reviews on Twitter.
- Steve Stred on Twitter.
- Kendall Reviews’ interview with Isaac.
Lili’s Lair
- Lili’s Lair on the web.
- Lili’s Lair on Twitter.
- Isaac’s feature on Lili’s Lair.
Mimosas With Michael
- Michael Coulombe on Twitter.
- Mimosas With Michael on Twitter.
- Michael’s Interview with Isaac on Mimosas With Michael.
The Monster Guys
- The Monster Guys on the Web.
- The Monster Guys on Twitter.
- The Monster Guys’ interview with Isaac on WELCOME TO THE RED TABLE.
Movies, Films, and Flix
- Movies, Films, and Flix on the Web.
- Movies, Films, and Flix on Twitter.
- Mark and Isaac discuss WINTER PEOPLE on the Movies, Films, and Flix podcast.
Music City Horror
- Music City Horror on the Web.
- Music City Horror’s Article About ROAD KILLS.
My Little Rascal Production Company
- My Little Rascal Productions on Twitter.
- My Little Rascal Productions on Facebook.
- My Little Rascal’s Adaptation of Isaac’s BECAUSE REASONS on IMDB.
- My Little Rascal’s Adaptation of Isaac’s BECAUSE REASONS on YouTube.
The Nerdosphere
- The Nerdosphere Podcast on Twitter.
- The Nerdosphere Podcast on Facebook.
- The Nerdosphere discusses horror movie remakes with Isaac.
Pamela Morris
The Pint: A Pop Culture Podcast
- The Pint on Twitter.
- The Pint on Facebook.
- The Pint on Instagram.
- The Pint podcast site.
- The Pint’s FRIGHT NIGHT (1985) episode featuring Isaac.
RABT Book Tours & PR
- RABT Book Tours & PR on the web.
- RABT Book Tours & PR on Twitter.
- RABT Book Tours & PR blog stops for THE GORDON PLACE.
The Rob and Slim Show
- The Rob and Slim Show on Twitter.
- The Rob and Slim Show on Facebook.
- The Rob and Slim Show on PodBean.
- The Rob and Slim Show’s June 2016 Interview with Isaac.
- The Rob and Slim Show’s Halloween 2016 Interview with Isaac.
- The Rob and Slim Show Season 3 2017 Interview with Isaac.
- The Rob and Slim Show Halloween 2017 episode, Including a New Interview With Isaac.
- The Rob and Slim Show Episode 161, Including a New Interview with Isaac and an excerpt from SAFETY FIRST.
- The Rob and Slim Show Episode 171, Including a New Interview with Isaac and an excerpt from BEDSIDE MANNER.
- The Rob and Slim Show Episode 179, Including a New Interview with Isaac and an excerpt from NOBODY WAS HERE.
- The Rob and Slim Show Episode 196, Including a New Interview with Isaac and an excerpt from THE GORDON PLACE.
- The Rob and Slim Show Episode 200, Including a New Interview with Isaac and an excerpt from Chapter 2 of THE GORDON PLACE.
- The Rob and Slim Show Episode 210, Including a New Interview with Isaac and an excerpt from Chapter 3 of THE GORDON PLACE.
- The Rob and Slim Show 2019 Halloween Spooktacular, Including a New Interview with Isaac.
- The Rob and Slim Show Episode 231, In Which Isaac Reads From PRACTICAL GHOSTS.
- The Rob and Slim Show Episode 240, Including a New Interview with Isaac and an excerpt from DEAD RIGHTS.
- The Rob and Slim Show Episode 250, Including a New Interview with Isaac and an Excerpt From THE GORDON PLACE.
- The Rob and Slim Show Halloween 2021, including a New Interview with Isaac and an Excerpt From HELL SPRING.
- The Rob and Slim Show Finale Episode, including a New Interview with Isaac and a new Excerpt from HELL SPRING.
Ron Shaw and The Ron Shaw Show
- Ron Shaw Media.
- The Ron Shaw Show.
- Ron Shaw’s interview with Isaac.
Screen Quest
- Screen Quest on YouTube.
- Screen Quest on Twitter.
- Screen Quest’s discussion with Isaac about Anything For Jackson and Evil Dead II.
SCRM Radio
- SCRM Radio on Twitter.
- SCRM Radio’s site on the web.
- THORNE’S THEATER OF TERROR on SCRM Radio.
- Tra Cee’s SCRM radio interview with Isaac.
Set Sytes
- Set Sytes on Twitter.
- Set Sytes on the web.
- Set Sytes’ December 2016 interview with Isaac.
The Steve & Crypto Show
- Steve Strout on Twitter and Instagram.
- Crypto Zoo on Twitter and Instagram.
- The Steve & Crypto Show on Anchor.
- The Steve & Crypto Show 2021 Halloween Special interview with Isaac.
Steve Stred
- Steve Stred on the web.
- Steve Stred on Twitter.
- Isaac’s interview on Steve Stred’s 3Qs series.
Tell Me About Your Book
- Tell Me About Your Book on the web.
- Tell Me About Your Book on Instagram.
- Oaky on Instagram.
- Isaac’s appearance on Tell Me About Your Book.
Tennessee Horror News
- TN Horror News on the web.
- TN Horror News on Twitter.
- Isaac’s reviews on TN Horror News.
- Isaac’s appearance on TN Horror News’ Horror Basement podcast.
- Isaac’s appearance on The Horror Basement at Rocky Top Horror Show.
IMDB
- Isaac on IMDB.
Testimonials From Readers
“The way [past and present weave together] into one chilling narrative was a truly engaging device…”
“…every time I jumped back into The Gordon Place, I was easily whisked away to Lost Hollow.”
“…packed with tension and credible characters that propel readers forward.”
“This book was evil and perfect all the way…”
“…shows that true horror doesn’t come from beyond the grave, but the dark recesses of the human heart.”
“…[braids] tropes with nightmares and [adds] a layer of spine-shivering WTF.Highly recommended.”
“The small town and the store are compelling, claustrophobic backdrops to this drama, and the book’s tension mounts at an exponential rate.”
“This was a very interesting and engrossing tale…”
“Thorne superbly builds up a chilling and riveting tale…”
“After more than six decades of reading horror daily, I cannot recall ever reading a story quite like this one.”
“I was expecting a haunted house story and got something much better.”
“Isaac Thorne kicks you in the teeth with this one.”
“Horror and humor go so very well together and Thorne nails that.”
“…possibly my favourite from [Road Kills] is the Stephen Kingesque Nobody Was Here…”
“Even with the dark storyline there was quite a bit of humor. I loved it.”
“…crafty metaphoric tales of fright and violence that are surely born of…current events…”
“…scenes in the book are so well described that you feel like you’re there in the midst of the action.”
“The story will keep you wanting more, it will be hard to put this book down”
“…you’ll feel and see every bump under granny’s wheels as her car careens over curbs, sidewalks and through crosswalks.”
“I found the story quite emotionally effective…”
“The author uses his dark sense of humor and good narrative style in this book…”
“The Gordon Place needs to be a movie!”
“…serving up a haunting entertaining read.”
“It is disorienting, grotesque, absurdly funny and oddly hot…”
“Lee Gordon is hands down the most vile character I’ve ever been introduced to in a fictional story.”
“…fast, twisted, and keeps you involved, wondering what the next paragraph has in store.”
“…this is good old school horror, remarkably well-written and suitably creepy.”
“If you want to read a story that gives you the chills, don’t hesitate to read it.”
“…the scenes are painted so perfectly it’s as though you’re there.”
“I loved the ending. I would have never thought of ending it like that.”
“The Gordon Place is a chilling paranormal tale that kept me turning the pages.”
“This novel is well thought-out, with intriguing character arcs that readers will want to learn more about.”
“…a thrilling throwback horror tale that tears through the pages like a hound from hell.”
“It kept me on the edge of my seat to see what happen now.”
“I was enthralled from the get go and couldn’t put the book down!”
“This story tackles a lot, but at the backbone of it all, it’s a story about forgiveness.”
Isaac Thorne’s HELL SPRING is an accomplished, imaginative, and finely detailed primeval horror with a seam of black humor running through a narrative that is entertaining, visual, and nicely stylized to the era. A sharply drawn and realistic cast ensure the characters’ private demons are as compelling as the one they have to confront.
“Two questions for Mr. Thorne: how is this your first novel and when can we expect the next one?”
“This is a fantastic chilling story for anyone that enjoys ghost stories.”
“Honestly, the best horror story I have read in a long time.”
“…a well narrated paranormal mystery I thoroughly enjoyed.”
“This book is amazing and the ending is not what you would expect .”
“The plot was tight, atmosphere creepy as hell, prose well done.”
“I really hope I dont have nightmares from this, or see the ‘dog’ in my dreams!”
“You will meet some wonderful and intriguing characters.”
“What a read! From the first few pages I got sucked into this story. I didn’t want to put it down!”
“Thorne fleshes out each character’s backstory in measured detail, making them problematic and relatable, by turns.”
“… the final images and words will probably be playing over in my mind for days.”
“This story is awesome. You don’t encounter many horror tales where the killer is female.”
“I liked the dark moments, those appealed to me and I think they were well done.”
“The author does a wonderful job of setting the scene and telling the story by weaving past and present together…”
“You’d be hard-pressed to find that much entertainment for a dollar anywhere else.”
“…takes ghost stories to the next level as father and son battle it out in a supernatural fight for freedom.”
“I couldn’t stop listening to it.”
“This is a horror story for the Facebook generation.”
“This would make a great movie!”
“Thorne might have created his own genre.”
“Oh God, this story freaked me out and this is why I am so reticent about Facebook.”
“…an exciting ride and I couldn’t wait to keep listening every time I had to step away.”
“I will definitely be suggesting this author to all my friends.”
“It’s strange and uncomfortable and made me squeamish on occasion, but it’s well-written and engaging.”
“This story made my day. As a horror fan, I love to read quick stories with a good point.”
“Isaac Thorne creates characters who feel like real people in HELL SPRING and then puts them through the wringer…”
“The Gordon Place by Isaac Thorne is an awesome read by a brand new author for me.”
“…the mix of sorrow and shame powering these stories lends substance to the scenes of horror. The shocking moments deliver serious jolts.”
“If you like authors like Stephen King, Clive Barker, or Dean Koontz you will definitely enjoy this book.”
“Read Diggum, it makes cemeteries even creepier.”
“Like a box of poisoned bon bons, once you bite into one, you’ll be back for more.”
“With the right amount of gore and a permeating sense of dread, this work proves Thorne to be a gifted storyteller.”
“…there were well-developed characters and I felt for all of them.”
